This was exactly as Chen Xiaobei had envisioned. It seemed the art of bridge building had been very advanced since ancient times.
Chen Xiaobei didn't speak immediately. Instead, he turned to look at Chen Dayong and the others who had stayed behind.
Chen Dayong and the rest had no idea about these matters. Seeing Chen Xiaobei look at them, some were confused, some nodded, some shook their heads, and some lowered their heads in silence.
At this moment, Chen Dachun surprisingly spoke up, "I think it's feasible. As long as the iron chains are sufficient, there's no harm in adding more."
Chen Dachun's skills as a craftsman were quite good, and the villagers still trusted his words.
Hearing his statement, Ma Xiaoyi couldn't help but grin. This was considered support and backing for himself.
Chen Xiaobei also changed his expression to a smile upon hearing this. "Since no one has any objections, let's proceed as Brother Ma suggested."
Ma Xiaoyi squatted down and carefully examined the two thick ropes. He then turned to Chen Xiaobei and asked, "How did you guys set up these two ropes initially?"
Chen Xiaobei explained how the first rope was thrown across using a tree, and how Hou Liu had tied the second rope around his waist and crawled across to set it up.
Ma Xiaoyi stepped forward and looked at the ropes, which were as thick as an arm.
He furrowed his brow slightly.
The ropes were not light. This would be a significant test for anyone.
It was evident that although Ma Xiaoyi and his men might have some experience in setting up ropes, walking on them might not be their strong suit.
A middle-aged man beside him chimed in, "Xiaoyi, each of these ropes must weigh dozens, even hundreds, of pounds. It's already difficult for a person to crawl across, let alone carry over a hundred pounds of supplies while also managing the rope. It's too hard."
Indeed, it was too difficult. Chen Xiaobei knew that not everyone was suited to be like Hou Liu, but he also knew that these two ropes would not suffice. More ropes were definitely needed. After all, ropes back then were not necessarily very sturdy. If either of these two ropes were to fail, the entire project would likely be forced to halt.
Therefore, at least two to three more ropes were needed, and having more ropes would also make it much more convenient to get to the other side of the gorge.
Chen Xiaobei stood up, looking at the pile of ropes, a hint of a frown on his face. Suddenly, his gaze fell upon a coil of thin hemp rope.
Seeing him staring at the thin hemp rope blankly, Chen Dachun next to him couldn't help but ask, "Hey, what's the use of such a thin hemp rope? It can only support a thick hemp rope."
The speaker meant nothing by it, but the listener took heed. Chen Xiaobei was filled with joy. That's right, he could use it to pull the thick ropes! He remembered a fun story his teacher had told him when he was a child, about pulling thick ropes with thin ones. Starting with a single cotton thread, and gradually using thicker ones, eventually, even a rope as thick as a bowl could be pulled.
With this thought, he picked up the coil of thin hemp rope and smiled at Ma Xiaoyi, saying, "I have an idea. Let's pull this thin one across first, then tie the thick one to it and pull the thick one across. This way, we can bring over more ropes with each trip."
Chen Xiaobei gestured, and everyone understood his meaning.
At this moment, Chen Dachun bravely stepped forward, "I understand, Brother Xiaobei. I'll go to the other side and pull."
"No, I'll go," Ma Xiaoyi stepped forward. He looked at Chen Dachun, then at Chen Xiaobei. "Brother Xiaobei, I understand what you mean. I'll pull the thick rope across and secure it there. I'm afraid you guys can't do this job."
To be honest, Ma Xiaoyi didn't mean to belittle them. Chen Xiaobei believed that if he went himself, at most he could find a protruding rock to tie the rope to, and he couldn't think of any better method. However, it was clear that Ma Xiaoyi and his men were more professional.
Chen Dachun looked to Chen Xiaobei for his approval. After a moment of hesitation, Chen Xiaobei finally nodded.
"Let Brother Ma go first, Dachun'er, you'll be second."
Just like when Chen Xiaobei had crossed the gorge before, Ma Xiaoyi tied a section of rope around his waist, with the other end attached to an iron ring, making a safety line.
Chen Xiaobei tied one end of the thin hemp rope to a large tree and the other end directly to the iron ring of Ma Xiaoyi's safety line.
This way, as Ma Xiaoyi moved forward, the entire rope would also move forward. Chen Xiaobei added another iron ring every few dozen feet to minimize Ma Xiaoyi's extra physical exertion.
Initially, Ma Xiaoyi walked with his feet on the rope and his other hand gripping the safety rope. However, after only a few dozen feet, the rope began to sway. He then followed Chen Xiaobei's demonstration and climbed forward upside down on the rope.
After all, this was Ma Xiaoyi's first time climbing. His speed was relatively slow.
It was evident that he was very cautious, stopping every few movements to slightly adjust his posture.
This was understandable; below him was a cliff dozens of feet deep. Although he had a safety rope, it was better to be safe than sorry.
It took Ma Xiaoyi about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to reach the other side. When they saw him step onto the opposite bank, the crowd let out a cheer.
After sitting on the ground for a while, Ma Xiaoyi rubbed his sore legs, took a few deep breaths, and then stood up. He reached for the iron ring and untied the thin hemp rope.
Seeing this, Chen Xiaobei quickly called out to everyone to tie the thick hemp rope to the thin hemp rope.
Then, Chen Xiaobei found another thin hemp rope and tied it on as well.
This way, when the thick hemp rope was pulled to the other side, the thin hemp rope would be brought along with it. He could then pull the thin hemp rope back, so no one would have to carry the rope to the other side. Ma Xiaoyi could simply pull it from there.
Not only did he tie the rope to the iron ring, but he also hung a small bundle containing a hammer, nails, and iron rings, all of which would make it easier for Ma Xiaoyi to secure the ropes.
Looking at Chen Xiaobei's actions, Ma Xiaoyi and the craftsmen he brought with him secretly gave him a thumbs-up. A single rope could be used to transport supplies back and forth continuously.
It was hard to imagine that a sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy could come up with such a perfect plan.
Ma Xiaoyi pulled the thick rope over.
He looped the thick rope through several iron rings and then tied it to a protruding rock.
He then used nails to secure the iron rings, providing a double guarantee against the rope slipping out of the loops.
In less than an hour, Ma Xiaoyi had secured three ropes. Now, five ropes spanned the gorge, making it convenient for people to travel back and forth and for transporting supplies quickly.
After Ma Xiaoyi had secured the ropes on the other side, two more craftsmen climbed over.
Seeing everyone eagerly crossing, Chen Dachun and Chen Dayong also couldn't contain their excitement and followed them.
After securing the ropes, the next step was to prepare to pull the iron chains.
The craftsmen chose a spot about twenty feet from the edge of the cliff, a small mound that was perfect for securing the iron chains.